71 CB350 lowering and fork setup ???

[marcgaudi]

Hey,

I'm new here and currently in the process of my first complete build - 1971 Honda CB350 twin.

So I'm only 5ft6 tall and was looking to lower the bike about 1.5 - 2 inches. I know there is a heap of information on the site and i also found quite a bit googling but nothing specific. I found that there are so many different methods specified for lowering the forks thats its all a bit overwhelming… If anyone has specific info on the best and safest way to do it id appreciate the help.

Ill prob end up getting a set of 'shorty' rear shocks from DCC so no issues there.

As far as the front forks go my cb350 has the external fork springs underneath the painted fork covers… How do i go about lowering these front forks without pulling them up through the tree?

Should i consider swapping out my forks for another model? Do the forks from a later model CB360 bolt straight on, or any other options for an easy transition? I don't want to go crazy customising the front end as id like to keep as much of the bike original as i can..

Apologies if i sound like a noob, appreciate the help.
Thanks,
Marc

 

[trek97]

Welcome to DTT.

As far as keeping the bike ridable, something like this may be your best bet.

However, simply due to the fact that bottoming out the suspension dont seem to be a major concern for you...

Need to make an oil-proof spacer "stop" that slides over fork tubes and fits inside lowers to take up the extra space. ie aluminum, brass, steel.

next....

You will need to trim front springs the same amount. and reshape the cut end so it sits flat in the fork lowers or under tree. depending which way its fitted. shown in pic.

 

[whynot]

Can't help you....as I want to do the same...........gonna hang on to see what you come up with.

 

[marcgaudi]

Welcome to DTT.

As far as keeping the bike ridable, something like this may be your best bet.

However, simply due to the fact that bottoming out the suspension dont seem to be a major concern for you...

Need to make an oil-proof spacer "stop" that slides over fork tubes and fits inside lowers to take up the extra space. ie aluminum, brass, steel.

next....

You will need to trim front springs the same amount. and reshape the cut end so it sits flat in the fork lowers or under tree. depending which way its fitted. shown in pic.

Thanks!!..

I'll have to rule out the platform shoes as I don't think they will be very good for my posture ;D

The bike will mainly be used for commuting about and runs around the city so I'm not overly concerned about loosing the ride too much…

Cutting the springs and using a spacer was the way i was leaning towards, although is this the only option? I've seen a whole bunch of cb350 cafe's about and majority of them look lowered in comparison to mine which made me wander how they all went about achieving this..

Do the CB360 forks swap straight over?.. or any other internal spring forks?
That way maybe i can fit them with some shorter progressive springs.

Marc

 

[xb33bsa]

it is a tiny bike can you not touch the ground at all ? do not shorten the suspension esp in the front it has limited travel as it is you will just fuck it up TOTALLY
a lot can be done just reshaping the seat

 

[DesertKZ]

Yeah unless you're lowering it for style, just take some foam out of the seat and have it reupholstered. If your forks bottom out at speed you could be doing kart-wheels....

 

[grcamna5]

You could get a pr. of CB350K4-K5 front forks(I have a pr. for sale that're Nice)and a top triple that clamps down from the same models I mentioned(or the CB360)and that would solve it.

 

[jpmobius]

Quite a bit of trouble that maybe a bit of dedication and practice could solve? My X was 5' 2", and rode like the cops were chasing her. Not even close to touching the ground with both feet at the same time. Ride with a friend now about your height that has a new Triumph Tiger that I (at 6' 2" ) have to tippy toe. For her, it's one foot or the other and she has almost 20k on the clock in less than a year. You can lower your bike, but there will be big drawbacks. CB's are not exactly known for ground clearance to begin with, and it is impossible to do without reducing suspension travel. Of course it is entirely possible you will be ok with the clearance issues you will get, but touching down hard parts with simple casual riding gets seriously old in no time. Just something to think about before you make a big investment you may not like. Stick with trimming the seat - cheaper and very little drawbacks if done wisely.

 

[marcgaudi]

Thanks for the advice guys.

Yeah i understand the implications of lowering the bike. My last bike (SR400) had been lowered quite significantly and I was fine with it… It was actually a little too low but had no dramas for the riding i was doing.

I could ride the bike at the factory height with no dramas. I owned sports bikes etc in the past and just learned to put up with tippy toeing, but I find the bike more comfortable low, and I also prefer the overall look/stance it gives the bike… especially with the style of bike I'm going for.

 

[xb33bsa]

the funny thing is about "look and stance" you are the only one that will notice and you can only see it when not riding ,nobody else cares or will even pay attention to "stance"... ok maybe if they see it just right when parked or in a picture,i dont get it when i see a lowerd bike i figure it is for really short chick or dude cant ride worth a darn or just doesn't know a dam think about motocycles

 

[marcgaudi]

when people slam hot rods on their ass I don't think they are concerned about the ride.. I'm talking about an inch or two, I don't want to slam my bike completely, but yes I understand it will affect the ride and handling of the bike and I'm lowering it anyway.. it's my bike, I'm looking at it and I'll notice it..

I've been riding for 10 years, I know I don't have to lower the bike.. but I want to, so no more lectures please... majority of builds I've seen have been lowered in some way..

Appreciate the advice anyway, if anyone else has info in relation to fork swaps etc id appreciate it.

Cheers,
Marc

 

[alzcbz]

As said previously, later model CB350s or 360s with the clamp style upper triple will be your easiest route. That way you can just drop the forks through the top tree.

 

[marcgaudi]

As said previously, later model CB350s or 360s with the clamp style upper triple will be your easiest route. That way you can just drop the forks through the top tree.

ok sweet.. what year did the cb350's swap over to internal spring style forks?

 

[grcamna5]

ok sweet.. what year did the cb350's swap over to internal spring style forks?

1972 CB350K4(the last one w/ the drum brake front),CB350G(disc front) & all the way up through the CB360's.

 

[marcgaudi]

1972 CB350K4(the last one w/ the drum brake front),CB350G(disc front) & all the way up through the CB360's.

Awesome… Do they bolt straight onto the axles? or what other parts would i require for the swap?
Sorry i only just noticed your post earlier mentioning you have some for sale…

 

[alzcbz]

Axles and brake assemblies will swap over.
You will need the later style upper triple clamp. Not sure about the lower. The offset may be different.

 

[grcamna5]

The lower triple is the same and you can use it.

 

[marcgaudi]

Thanks guys this is exactly the info I'm after…

So all thats required is bolt new forks onto axles and fit up new triple?.. Anything other parts needed at all?

Also what fork oil do you guys recommend using for everyday urban street use?

 

[grcamna5]

Thanks guys this is exactly the info I'm after…

So all thats required is bolt new forks onto axles and fit up new triple?.. Anything other parts needed at all?

Also what fork oil do you guys recommend using for everyday urban street use?

10 wt. oil is good if you're over 180,otherwise ATF if good.The other think you may have to do is make adjustments to the fit of your lower tins and fork ears so that they're tight.